EXCHANGE OF NOTES BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CONCERNING CLOUD SEEDING PROJECT. MANILA, APRIL 23 AND 24, 1969.

Note: The Agreement entered into force, April 24, 1969. Reference: This Agreement is also published in 20 UST 697.

69-1027

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Department of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the United States Embassy and has the honor to convey the request of the Philippine Government for the assistance of the American Government in undertaking an artificial rain stimulation project for the purpose of rainmaking in certain areas of the Philippines.

The Embassy is undoubtedly aware that the Philippines has been hard-hit by drought during the past year, and this has adversely affected rice, sugar cane and other crops to the great prejudice of the country's economy. Further, artificial rain stimulation is still a novel experience in the country, and its potential should be tested and proven under local conditions to determine its value and applicability to Philippine agriculture.

The help of the American Government in the project would therefore be highly appreciated. In connection with actions taken in the project, the Philippine Government will hold the United States Government harmless with respect to any damage to persons or property arising from these actions in the Philippines or elsewhere.

The Department avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy the assurances of its highest consideration.

Manila, 23 April 1969

The American Embassy to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines

No. 312

The Embassy of the United States presents its compliments to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines and has the honor to refer to the Department's Note No. 69-1027 of April 23, 1969, convey­ing the request of the Government of the Republic of the .Philippines for assistance in its effort to produce rain by cloud seeding to alleviate the current drought conditions now adversely affecting Philippine crops particularly rice and sugar. The Embassy is pleased to state that the Government of the United States will be happy to join in this effort.

In view of the urgency of the situation, United States Military equipment and a team of experimental meteorologists from the Department of Defense's Joint Environmental Research Center will be utilized because they have been engaged in comparable work in the United States and can undertake the project immediately. It should be noted that scientific knowledge in this area is limited and that the chances of success are at best uncertain. The costs of United States efforts in this operation will be for the account of the United States Government.

The Embassy notes with satisfaction that the Philippine Government will hold the United States Government harmless with respect to any damage to persons or property arising from these actions in the Philippines or else­where.

The Embassy avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Department the assurances of its highest consideration. Embassy of the United States of America.

Manila, April 24, 1969.